​Florence Vassy may be on “Nobody’s Side,” but it’s quite clear that The Shubert Organization has always been on Chess’s side.
Chess first graced the stage of the Imperial Theatre in April 1988. Its run ended after 68 performances, plus 17 previews — brief, but memorable. A one-night benefit concert followed years later at the Broadhurst Theatre, keeping the flame alive, though it wasn’t considered a full revival.
And now, 37 years after its original Broadway bow, Chess returns once again to the Imperial Theatre - with The Shubert Organization back in the role of producer, championing the show into its first true Broadway revival. I sat down with CEO and Chairman Bob Wankel, and VP of Creative Projects Jennifer Costello to find out more about the relationship between Chess and The Shubert Organization. 

1. The Shubert Organization was involved with the original 1988 Broadway production of Chess. How would you describe the company’s relationship with the show at that time?
Shubert was the leading producer when the show was in London, along with Tim Rice, ABBA, and Robert Fox. Michael Bennett was the director.  We collectively felt a move to Broadway would be a good one for the show.
 
 
2. Looking back, what do you remember about Shubert’s decision to bring Chess to the Imperial Theatre in 1988?
The show originated in London, but Michael Bennett had to step down. Trevor Nunn took over the show, honoring Michael’s intent, and it ran for three years in London. The show was then bought to NY with Trevor Nunn leading a new production, with a new book. When the show came to NY, the director had new ideas for the staging. When it opened at The Imperial, it opened to mixed negative reviews, and the show closed after six weeks.
 
3. The original run was comparatively short, yet it developed a strong cult following. Did you anticipate the show becoming a long-term fan favorite?
It’s hard to predict how such things happen, so I don’t know that we anticipated the show becoming a long-term favorite.  But thanks to the concept recording, the show has continued to draw in fans, long after the show had its final performance.  The music has always been a highlight, and fans of the score are excited to have the opportunity to hear the beloved music performed live, by Grade A Broadway talent, including the three big stars of the show. 
 
4. This revival is being called the first full Broadway revival of Chess. What made now the right moment for Shubert to return to this title?
This version was started in 2020 at The Kennedy Center; however, Covid stopped progress on the show.  Throughout the duration there were different producers, but Tom Hulce was always the consistent producer, along with Rob Ahrens and The Shubert Organization.

5. How important was it to bring the revival back to the Imperial Theatre, where Chess made its original Broadway debut?
There wasn’t an explicit design to bring Chess back to the Imperial Theatre.  It was actually just good fortune that the theatre was available.  It is poetic however that it is premiering at its original home.
 
6. Thematically, Chess explores politics, media, ego, and identity. Do you feel these themes resonate more powerfully today?
We think it’s more relevant now. What is interesting is that in our audience we have a wide range of ages. As a Gen X-er, who grew up during the cold war, who lived with the threat of a possible nuclear war, it’s a direct recall to a particular moment in time.  We also have a younger generation who didn’t grow up with the cold war in the same way, but they are experiencing their own world shifting events.  They are now living in a world that has been up-ended; their world order has been overturned.  The opening sung lines of the show are “No one can deny that these are difficult times.” That feels very relevant to today,

7. Do you have a favorite song or moment from Chess, either from 1988 or the new production?
Bob: One Night in Bangkok is such a pivotal song and well known.
Jenn: As a fan of the concept recording, “Pity the Child” was a highlight for me, how dramatic and vocal it was.  Now I’d have to say “Endgame,” witnessing Nic Christopher deliver an unforgettable, powerhouse performance is thrilling to me. 

Bob Hofmann started working on Broadway in 1991, when he was hired by Cameron Mackintosh to work in sales at Theatre Direct International (TDI), charged with finding ways to strengthen the connection between Broadway and the travel industry by creating marketing and sales partnerships. TDI eventually became Broadway.com. Bob left his position there as VP to join industry colleagues Charlie Flateman and Bruce Amick in creating Broadway Inbound, designed to continue the work started at TDI, but in closer alignment with the theatre owners. The Shubert Organization acquired Broadway Inbound a few years later.

• What’s your proudest moment at the company?
There are many, but our live promotions at National Tour Association and U.S. Travel’s IPW are among my proudest moments. Working with NYC Tourism and leveraging Broadway as the calling card for the city through live performance in front of buyers and travel press globally… those events, and all the people we worked with along the way, stay with me.

• What’s one thing you’ll miss most about working here?
The people. No question. I’ve always admired the role Shubert plays in the larger industry. The Foundation and its commitment to sustaining the arts nationally have always been an inspiration, and being a small part of that vision makes me proud. I’ll miss my colleagues, and I’ll miss knowing I’m contributing to that mission. It’s the people that make the mission work.

• What were your biggest accomplishments or successes?
The global marketing and sales network we’ve created in partnership with travel companies around the world. I set out to build partnerships that leverage the global reach of travel companies to benefit Broadway shows. I look at where we are 35 years later, and I’m pleased. There’s more to do, but we’ve come a long way, and I’m confident that Allison, Jered, Fatima, and the team at Broadway Inbound will continue the pursuit.

• How has your role—or the industry—changed since you first began?
How many people have heard of Telex? That was the communications technology we started out with when I began this campaign. We moved from there through fax, email, APIs, and now everything is AI. As communication technologies evolve, we evolve right alongside them. Keeping up and finding new ways to partner is the ongoing challenge.

• What are you looking forward to in retirement?
I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife. I’ve traveled a lot for my job, but now I’m looking forward to traveling more for pleasure. I have a few projects and goals to achieve, but I’m also looking forward to a new life balance.

• How would you like to be remembered here?
For the goals I’ve accomplished, for sure, but also, I hope, for being a good, positive, encouraging energy. And I hope the music inside of me that often escapes as I walk through the office humming will linger for a while.
​
 I thank you all for being a significant part of this chapter of my life. Be Brilliant! Always.

​This group has long been a forgotten generation—but not for much longer. Estimates suggest the sandwich generation will grow from 58 million people in 2022 to 82 million by 2050.

So why is this generation growing so rapidly?

• We’re living longer, which means aging parents often require care for extended periods of time.
• People are waiting longer to have children, creating an overlap between childcare responsibilities and elder care.

The result is a generation balancing work, caregiving, financial pressure, and emotional strain, at the same time. While the demands are significant, it is possible to find balance.

• Prioritize self-care
  • You can’t pour from an empty cup, so it’s important to take care of yourself
• Delegate where you can
  • It can feel as if no one else can do it the way you can or would, but it’s important to delegate so you don’t burn out
• Embrace structure and routine (where you can)
  • It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when everything is coming at you, so try and establish routines
• Communicate openly
  • Discuss challenges, concerns, and expectations to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts

Our Shubert Holiday Party is tomorrow, and we can’t wait to celebrate the season with all of you! It’s a wonderful chance to reconnect with colleagues you may not see every day, share some laughter, and enjoy a well-earned evening of holiday cheer.
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As we gear up for a night of fun, let’s also keep safety and respect at the heart of our celebration. Even though some of us are off the clock, we’re still part of the Shubert family, and we want everyone to feel comfortable and supported throughout the night.

So come ready to mingle, make memories, and enjoy the festivities—responsibly, of course!
And do we manage to have fun responsibly? I’m so glad you asked. 

• Hit the dance floor but keep it classy. This isn’t your opportunity to audition for Moulin Rouge
• Limit your drinks, especially if you are returning to work afterwards
• Limit your physical outreach
  • No kissing (mistletoe is not, and will not be provided)
  • Hug only if it’s clearly welcomed and reciprocated
• Do not engage in harassing behavior
  • We’ve all taken the training, so we know what this includes

​We look forward to celebrating with you and kicking off the holidays in style!